Sample preparation assembly

ABSTRACT

A sample preparation assembly includes a torch configured for use with an inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The torch includes at least two approximately cylindrical tubes arranged substantially concentrically. The sample preparation assembly also includes an injector configured for use with the inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The injector includes an injection nozzle and a spray chamber. The sample preparation assembly further includes a heat sink element. The heat sink element includes a securing element. The securing element is configured to mate with a mounting element of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following patent applications are incorporated by reference in theirentireties:

Title Filing Date Ser. No. Torch Assembly May 12, 2010 12/778,490

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to laboratory instrumentation,particularly to a sample preparation assembly, and more specifically, toa sample preparation assembly for use with laboratory instrumentationfor chemical analysis.

BACKGROUND

Analytical equipment, including mass spectrometers (MS) and atomicemission spectrometers (AES), are utilized for detecting trace elementsof species in samples. Inductively Coupled Plasma MS (ICP-MS) andInductively Coupled Plasma AES (ICP-AES) are two common analytical toolsused by laboratories for the determination of trace elementconcentrations in samples. Such sample analysis systems may employ asample introduction system for conditioning a sample prior tointroduction into the analytical equipment. A sample may be introducedto the analytical equipment by the sample introduction system, whereby aconcentration of elements and a ratio of isotopes may be detected by theanalytical equipment.

SUMMARY

A sample preparation assembly includes a torch configured for use withan inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The torchincludes at least two approximately cylindrical tubes arrangedsubstantially concentrically. The at least two approximately cylindricaltubes include a first outer tube and a second inner tube with a gapformed between the first outer tube and the second inner tube. The firstouter tube and the second inner tube are each coupled to a mountingelement configured for securing in place the first outer tube and thesecond inner tube. The sample preparation assembly also includes aninjector configured for use with the inductively coupled plasmaspectroscopy instrument. The injector includes an injection nozzle and aspray chamber. An exit of the spray chamber leads to the injectionnozzle. The injection nozzle is positioned at least substantially withinthe second inner tube when the spray chamber is positioned adjacent themounting element of the torch. The sample preparation assembly furtherincludes a heat sink element. The heat sink element includes a securingelement. The securing element is configured to mate with the mountingelement of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element. Thesecuring element defines at least one aperture through which an inlet ofthe spray chamber passes.

A system includes an analytic instrument configured for chemicalanalysis of a sample. The system also includes a sample preparationassembly. The sample preparation assembly includes a torch configured tocouple to an inlet of the analytic instrument. The torch includes atleast two approximately cylindrical tubes arranged substantiallyconcentrically. The at least two approximately cylindrical tubes includea first outer tube and a second inner tube with a gap formed between thefirst outer tube and the second inner tube. The first outer tube and thesecond inner tube are each coupled to a mounting element configured forsecuring in place the first outer tube and the second inner tube. Thesample preparation assembly also includes an injector configured tointroduce the sample to the analytic instrument. The injector includesan injection nozzle and a spray chamber. An exit of the spray chamberleads to the injection nozzle. The injection nozzle is positioned atleast substantially within the second inner tube when the spray chamberis positioned adjacent the mounting element of the torch. The samplepreparation assembly further includes a heat sink element. The heat sinkelement includes a securing element. The securing element is configuredto mate with the mounting element of the torch to mechanically supportthe heat sink element. The securing element defines at least oneaperture through which an inlet of the spray chamber passes.

A method of assembling a sample preparation device includes arranging atleast two approximately cylindrical tubes of a torch substantiallyconcentrically. The at least two approximately cylindrical tubes includea first outer tube and a second inner tube. The method also includesforming a gap between the first outer tube and the second inner tube.The method further includes coupling each of the first outer tube andthe second inner tube to a mounting element configured for securing therelative positioning of the first outer tube and the second inner tube.The method additionally includes positioning a spray chamber of aninjector adjacent the mounting element of the torch. The method stillfurther includes positioning an injection nozzle of an injector at leastsubstantially within the second inner tube. The method also includesmating a securing element of a heat sink with the mounting element ofthe torch to mechanically support the heat sink element. The methodadditionally includes defining at least one aperture in at least one ofthe mounting element or the securing element through which an inlet ofthe spray chamber passes.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not necessarily restrictive as claimed. The accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of thespecification, illustrate an embodiment and together with the generaldescription, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood bythose skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a sample preparationassembly configured for use with analytic equipment in the chemicalanalysis of a sample;

FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the sample preparation assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded isometric view of the sample preparationassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a torch assembly of the samplepreparation assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the torch assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the torch assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the torch assembly of FIG.4;

FIG. 8 is a partial isometric exploded cross-sectional view of anembodiment of a torch assembly;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a sample preparationdevice; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a torch assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a sample preparation assembly100 is shown. The sample preparation assembly 100 may generally includeat least three portions: a torch assembly 200, an injector 300, and aheat sink element 400. The torch assembly 200, the injector 300, and theheat sink element 400 may generally be coupled together to form thesample preparation assembly 100, which in turn may be coupled withanalytic equipment configured for chemical analysis of a sample. Forexample, in one embodiment, the sample preparation assembly 100 may beincluded as at least a portion of inductively coupled plasma (ICP)equipment, such as for use in chemical analysis.

The torch assembly 200 may be configured for use with an ICPspectroscopy instrument. As seen in FIGS. 1-8, the torch assembly 200may include at least two approximately cylindrical tubes 202 arrangedsubstantially concentrically. The at least two approximately cylindricaltubes 202 may include a first outer tube 204 and a second inner tube206. The first outer tube 204 may include opposing first and second ends204 a, 204 b, and a first body structure 204 c between the opposingfirst and second ends 204 a, 204 b. The second inner tube 206 mayinclude opposing first and second ends 206 a, 206 b, and a second bodystructure 206 c between the opposing first and second ends 206 a, 206 b.The first outer tube 204 and the second inner tube 206 may each becoupled to a mounting element 208. The mounting element 208 may includea support jacket 210 and a mounting bracket 212 coupled to an end ofsupport jacket 210. The mounting element 208 may be configured forsecuring in place the first outer tube 204 and the second inner tube206, such as in the substantially concentric configuration.

The support jacket 210 may include a support structure 214, which mayform the body of the support jacket 210. The support structure 214 maycomprise a structural material (e.g., a plastic or plastic composite)that may be configured for thermal expansion and thermal contraction, aswill be discussed further below. The support structure 214 may alsodefine an aperture 216 extending along an axis oriented along agenerally longitudinal direction of the support structure 214 (FIGS. 5,7, and 8). The aperture 216 may generally be configured for receivingeach of the first outer tube 204 and the second inner tube 206. Forinstance, the second end 204 b of the first outer tube 204 and thesecond end 206 b of the second inner tube 206 may be configured forinsertion into the aperture 216. In one embodiment, the second end 204 bof the first outer tube 204 and the second end 206 b of the second innertube 206 each have a cross sectional area relative to the axis of thesupport structure 214 that is less than the cross sectional area of theaperture 216. For instance, when the second end 204 b of the first outertube 204 has a circular cross sectional area (e.g., when the first outertube 204 has a cylindrical shape), a smaller cross sectional area thanthe sectional area of the aperture 216 may permit insertion of thesecond end 204 b into the aperture 216.

In another embodiment, the cross sectional area of the aperture 216relative to the axis of the support structure 214 varies along the axis,such as in a generally longitudinal direction of the support structure214. In one specific embodiment, the cross sectional area decreases(i.e., the amount of empty space of the aperture decreases) in adirection from an end of the aperture 216 of the support structure 214into which the first outer tube 204 and the second inner tube 206 areinserted to an end of the aperture 216 opposing the end of the aperture216 of the support structure 214 into which the first outer tube 204 andthe second inner tube 206 are inserted. For instance, as shown in FIG.7, the aperture 216 of the support structure 214 may have a first crosssectional area for a first portion 218 of the support structure 214 anda second cross sectional area for a second portion 220 of the supportstructure 214. The first portion 218 and the second portion 220 may eachextend in a generally longitudinal direction of the support structure214.

The cross sectional area of the second end 204 b of the first outer tube204 may be at least substantially similar to the first cross sectionalarea for the first portion 218 and greater than the second crosssectional area for the second portion 220. In this case, the second end204 b of the first outer tube 204 may be inserted into the aperture 216up to the beginning of the second portion, where the support structure214 may substantially impede or prevent progress of the first outer tube204 further into the aperture 216. The cross sectional area of thesecond end 206 b of the second inner tube 206 may be less than the firstcross sectional area for the first portion 218 and at leastsubstantially similar to the second cross sectional area for the secondportion 220. In this case, the second end 206 b of the second inner tube206 may be inserted into the aperture 216 beyond the first portion 218and into the second portion 220.

Where cross sectional areas are defined as “at least substantiallysimilar to,” it may be appreciated that “at least substantially similar”may include ranges of cross sectional areas which may be slightlygreater than or slightly less than. For instance, the support structure214 of the support jacket 210 may comprise a structural material (e.g.,a plastic or plastic composite) that may be configured for thermalexpansion and thermal contraction. Thus, the cross sectional area of theaperture 216 defined by the support structure 214 may vary depending onthe temperature of the structural material. When heated, the structuralmaterial of the support structure 214 may expand, causing the aperture216 to have a proportionately larger cross sectional area. When cooledfrom the heated temperature, the structural material of the supportstructure 214 may then contract, causing the aperture 216 to have arelatively smaller cross sectional area than when the structuralmaterial is heated. Thus, even if a substantially similar crosssectional area of the second end 204 b of the first outer tube 204 isslightly larger than the first cross sectional area for the firstportion 218, the first outer tube 204 may be inserted into the aperture216 when the structural material of the support structure 214 is heated.After the first outer tube 204 is at least partially inserted into theaperture 216, the structural material of the support structure 214 maybe subsequently cooled, which may cause the first portion 218 of thesupport structure 214 to contract around the at least partially-insertedportion of the first outer tube 204, locking the first outer tube 204 inplace relative to the support structure 214. Similarly, the second innertube 206 may be inserted into the aperture 216 when the supportstructure 214 is heated and then subsequently cooled, which may causethe second portion 220 of the support structure 214 to contact thesecond inner tube 206, locking the second outer tube 206 in placerelative to the support structure 214.

Alternatively, it may be appreciated that a substantially similar crosssectional area of the second end 204 b of the first outer tube 204 maybe used which may be slightly smaller than the first cross sectionalarea for the first portion 218 when the support structure 214 isrelatively cool. In this case, insertion of the first outer tube 204into the aperture 216 may be enabled even when the support structure 214is in a non-expanded state. The first outer tube 204 may be held placerelative to the support structure 214 by selecting substantially similarcross sectional areas, which may allow frictional forces and the like tolock in place the first outer tube 204 relative to the support structure214.

In another embodiment, the aperture 216 of the support structure 214 mayhave a third cross sectional area for a third portion 222 of the supportstructure 214. Similar to the first portion 218 and the second portion220, the third portion 22 may also extend in a generally longitudinaldirection of the support structure 214. In the embodiment shown in FIG.7, the third cross sectional area of the third portion 22 is less thanthe second cross sectional area of the second portion 220, which in turnis less than the first cross sectional area of the first portion 218.When the aperture 216 of the support structure 214 has a third crosssectional area that is less than the second cross sectional area of thesecond portion 220, the second inner tube 206 may be inserted into theaperture 216 up to the beginning of the third portion, where the supportstructure 214 may substantially impede or prevent progress of the secondinner tube 206 further into the aperture 216.

When the first outer tube 204 and the second inner tube 206 are arrangedsubstantially concentrically in the support jacket 210, a gap 224 may beformed between the first outer tube 204 and the second inner tube 206,as seen in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 7. The gap 224 may allow the flow offluids, such as gases, liquids, and plasma, between first outer tube 204and the second inner tube 206, such as to enable functioning of a torchin inductively coupled plasma technology, as will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art.

The support structure 214 of the support jacket 210 may also define atleast one fluid port 226 on a side of the support jacket 210. The fluidport 226 may be oriented on an axis that is approximately perpendicularto the axis oriented along the generally longitudinal direction of thesupport structure 214. For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7,fluid ports 226 a, 226 b are substantially perpendicular to the aperture216 defined by the support structure 214. Fluid port 226 may permit theintroduction and/or removal of fluids from the torch assembly 200, suchas for proper ICP functionality. In one embodiment, such as that shownin FIG. 7, the first portion 218 of the support structure 214 may beginat an outer edge of fluid port 226 a and may end at the end of theaperture 216 of the support structure 214 into which the first outertube 204 and the second inner tube 206 are inserted. The second portion220 of the support structure 214 may begin at an outer edge of anotherfluid port 226 b and may end at an outer edge of fluid port 226 a. Sucha configuration may permit fluid flow in the gap 224 to flow into and/orout of fluid port 226 a without affecting the fluid flow into and/or outof fluid port 226 b. In another embodiment, the third portion 222 of thesupport structure 214 may begin at an end of the support structure 214opposite of the end into which the first outer tube 204 and the secondinner tube 206 are inserted and may end at an edge of the fluid inlet226 b.

In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the torch assembly 200 mayinclude a further securing or locking mechanism, whereby the first outertube 204 and the second inner tube 206 are secured in place relative tothe support jacket 210. In this embodiment, the first outer tube 204and/or the second inner tube 206 may define a groove 228 located on atleast a portion of the first body structure 204 c and/or the second bodystructure 206 c. The support structure 214 may include a correspondingraised portion 230 configured to align with the groove 228 of the firstouter tube 204 and/or the second inner tube 206. In one specificembodiment, the support structure 214 includes a raised portion 230 onthe first portion 218 which corresponds with the groove 228 on the firstouter tube 204, and includes a raised portion 230 on the second portion220 which corresponds with the groove 228 on the second inner tube 206.At least a portion of the raised portion 230 may interact with thegroove 228 when the first outer tube 204 and/or the second inner tube206 is inserted into the aperture 216, in order to hold in place thefirst outer tube 204 and/or the second inner tube 206 relative to thesupport jacket 210.

The aperture 216 may extend through the entirety of the longitudinaldirection of the support structure 214, such that an opening is presentat an end 232 (FIGS. 4-6) of the support structure 214 opposite the endinto which the first outer tube 204 and the second inner tube 206 areinserted. The mounting bracket 212 of the torch assembly 200 may becoupled with the support jacket 210 at the end 232 of the supportstructure 214. For example, the mounting bracket 212 may be secured tothe support jacket 210 with fasteners 234. The mounting bracket 212 maydefine an aperture 236, which may substantially align with the aperture216 of the support structure 214 when the mounting bracket 212 iscoupled with the end 232 of the support jacket 210. Alignment ofapertures 216 and 236 may allow for insertion of other portions of thesample preparation assembly 100, such as portions of injector 300, intothe torch assembly 200, as will be discussed further below. The mountingbracket 212 may further be configured to provide structural support tothe sample preparation assembly 100 when coupling together portions ofthe sample preparation assembly 100 including the torch assembly 200,the injector 300, and the heat sink element 400.

The injector 300 may generally be configured use with an ICPspectroscopy instrument. The injector 300 may include an injectionnozzle 302 and a spray chamber 304. The injection nozzle 302 may becoupled with the spray chamber 304, such that an exit 306 of the spraychamber 304 may lead to the injection nozzle 302. The injector 300 maybe configured to couple with and adjacent to the torch assembly 200, andin a particular embodiment, the injector 300 is configured to couplebetween the torch assembly 200 and the heat sink element 400. As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the injection nozzle 302 may be positioned at leastsubstantially within the second inner tube 206 when the spray chamber304 is positioned adjacent the mounting bracket 212 of the torchassembly 200. For instance, the mounting bracket 212 may be configuredto at least partially enclose a portion of the spray chamber 304 whenthe injection nozzle 302 is fully inserted into the aperture 216 definedby the support structure 214. When the first outer tube 204 and thesecond inner tube 206 are in the substantially concentric configurationcoupled with the support structure 214, the injector 300 may be placedadjacent the torch assembly 200, whereby the injection nozzle 302 may befully inserted into the aperture 216, placing the injection nozzle 302within the interior of the second inner tube 206. In a particularembodiment, the spray chamber 304 is a cyclonic spray chamber for usewith an ICP spectroscopy instrument.

The heat sink element 400 of the sample preparation assembly 100 maygenerally be configured to improve the quality of data measured by theICP spectroscopy instrument. For instance, in one specific embodiment,the heat sink element 400 may be a Peltier cooling device configured toreduce the ambient temperature of the spray chamber 304 to reduce thepartial pressure of water vapor, such as to avoid drift/interference inan analysis of a chemical sample. The heat sink element 400 may includea heat sink portion 402 and a securing element 404. In one embodiment,the heat sink portion 402 is a fluid-cooled heat sink, which may utilizea flow of fluid and/or a volume of fluid as a heat transfer agent tocontrol the temperature of the heat sink element 400 and of the sampleto be introduced by the sample preparation assembly 100 into the ICPspectroscopy instrument. In another embodiment, the heat sink element400 may include and/or be replaced with a heating element configured tocontrol the temperature of the spray chamber 304, such as by increasingthe temperature.

The securing element 404 may be configured to mate with the mountingelement 208 of the torch assembly 200 to mechanically support the heatsink element 400. For instance, the securing element 404 may couple withthe mounting bracket 208 of the torch assembly 200. In such an instance,the mounting bracket 208 and/or the securing element 404 may at leastpartially surround the spray chamber 304, thereby coupling the spraychamber 304 to the sample preparation assembly 100. In one specificembodiment, the securing element 404 includes a securing cap 406 and asecuring bracket 408. The securing cap 406 may be configured to at leastpartially surround the spray chamber 304 and to couple with the mountingbracket 212 of the torch assembly 200. The securing cap 406 may definean aperture or a recess through which an inlet and/or outlet of thespray chamber 304 may pass, as seen in FIGS. 1-3. The securing bracket408 may be coupled with the securing cap 406 via pins/fasteners 410. Theheat sink portion 402 may be located between the securing cap 406 andthe securing bracket 408 and held in place by the coupling of thesecuring bracket 408 to the securing cap 406 by pins/fasteners 410.

The sample preparation assembly 100 may further include a cover element500. The cover element 500 may be configured to at least partially coverthe torch assembly 200, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover element 500may mate with the mounting bracket 212 at an end of the mounting bracket212 opposite the securing element 404 of the heat sink element 400 whenthe heat sink element 400 is coupled with the torch assembly 200. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cover element 500 defines an aperture502 extending through the cover element 500 in a generally longitudinaldirection. The aperture 502 may be configured such that the supportjacket 210 of the torch assembly 200 may be inserted into the aperture502 in order for the cover element 500 to at least partially cover thesupport jacket 210, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover element 500 mayalso include at least one inlet 504 through which fluid maysubstantially pass. The at least one inlet 504 may be located on a sideof the cover element 500 configured to substantially overlay with fluidport 226 defined by the support structure 214 when the cover element 500is mated with the mounting bracket 212. A hose or tube may be coupledwith the at least one inlet 504, such as to transport fluid to/from thetorch assembly 200 via the cover element 500.

It is contemplated that the present disclosure provides a samplepreparation assembly and/or a torch assembly that may be readilymanufacturable via machine processing. For instance, the first outertube 204 and the second inner tube 206 may be of an approximatelyequivalent length and be similar cylindrical-shaped tubes. By utilizinga support jacket 210 into which the first outer tube 204 and the secondinner tube 206 are inserted and secured, the torch assembly 200 may bereadily manufacturable via machine processing, while still maintainingtolerances sufficient to enable functioning ICP capabilities.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow chart of a method 900 of assembling asample preparation device is shown. The method 900 may include arrangingat least two approximately cylindrical tubes of a torch substantiallyconcentrically 910. The at least two approximately cylindrical tubes mayinclude a first outer tube and a second inner tube. The method 900 mayinclude forming a gap between the first outer tube and the second innertube 920. The method 900 may include coupling each of the first outertube and the second inner tube to a mounting element configured forsecuring the relative positioning of the first outer tube and the secondinner tube 930. The method 900 may include positioning a spray chamberof an injector adjacent the mounting element of the torch 940. Themethod 900 may include positioning an injection nozzle of an injector atleast substantially within the second inner tube 950. The method 900 mayinclude mating a securing element of a heat sink with the mountingelement of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element 960.The method 900 may include defining at least one aperture in at leastone of the mounting element or the securing element through which aninlet of the spray chamber passes 970.

Step 940 of method 900 may include positioning a cyclonic spray chamberof an injector adjacent the mounting element of the torch. Method 900may further include mating a cover element with the mounting element atan end of the mounting element opposite the securing element of the heatsink element. The step of mating a cover element with the mountingelement at an end of the mounting element opposite the securing elementof the heat sink element may also include mating a cover elementincluding at least one inlet through which a fluid may substantiallypass with the mounting element at an end of the mounting elementopposite the securing element of the heat sink element. Method 900 mayfurther include at least substantially overlaying the at least one inletwith an aperture defined by the mounting element on a surface of a sideof the mounting element when the cover element is mated with themounting element. Method 900 may further include at least substantiallyenclosing the spray chamber with at least one of the mounting element orthe securing element when the securing element is mated with themounting element.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow chart of a method 1000 of assembling atorch assembly is shown. The method 1000 may include heating a supportjacket to induce thermal expansion of a support structure of the supportjacket 1010. The support structure may define an aperture extendingalong an axis oriented along a generally longitudinal direction of thesupport structure. The method 1000 may include inserting a first tubeinto the aperture defined by the support structure of the support jacket1020. The first tube may have opposing first and second ends and a firstbody structure between the opposing first and second ends. The firstbody structure may define an approximately cylindrical tube structure.The method 1000 may include inserting a second tube into the aperturedefined by the support structure of the support jacket 1030. The secondtube may have opposing first and second ends and a second body structurebetween the opposing first and second ends. The second body structuremay define an approximately cylindrical tube structure. The method 1000may include cooling the support jacket to induce thermal contraction ofthe support structure of the support jacket 1040. The support structuremay lock in place the first tube and the second tube in a substantiallyconcentric configuration.

In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented assets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it isunderstood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methodsdisclosed are examples of exemplary approaches. Based upon designpreferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy ofsteps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within thedisclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarilymeant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement of the components thereof without departing from thescope and spirit of the disclosure or without sacrificing all of itsmaterial advantages. The form herein before described being merely anexplanatory embodiment thereof, it is the intention of the followingclaims to encompass and include such changes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sample preparation assembly, comprising: atorch configured for use with an inductively coupled plasma spectroscopyinstrument, the torch including at least two approximately cylindricaltubes arranged substantially concentrically, the at least twoapproximately cylindrical tubes including a first outer tube and asecond inner tube with a gap formed between the first outer tube and thesecond inner tube, the first outer tube and the second inner tube eachcoupled to a mounting element configured for securing in place the firstouter tube and the second inner tube; an injector configured for usewith the inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument, theinjector including an injection nozzle and a spray chamber, an exit ofthe spray chamber leading to the injection nozzle, the injection nozzlepositioned at least substantially within the second inner tube when thespray chamber is positioned adjacent the mounting element of the torch;and a heat sink element, the heat sink element including a securingelement, the securing element configured to mate with the mountingelement of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element, atleast one of the securing element or the mounting element defining atleast one aperture through which an inlet of the spray chamber passes.2. The sample preparation assembly of claim 1, wherein the spray chamberis a cyclonic spray chamber.
 3. The sample preparation assembly of claim1, further including: a cover element, the cover element configured tomate with the mounting element at an end of the mounting elementopposite the securing element of the heat sink element.
 4. The samplepreparation assembly of claim 3, wherein the cover element includes atleast one inlet through which a fluid may substantially pass.
 5. Thesample preparation assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one inletis located on a side of the cover element configured to substantiallyoverlay with an aperture defined by the mounting element on a surface ofa side of the mounting element when the cover element is mated with themounting element.
 6. The sample preparation assembly of claim 1, whereinthe heat sink is a fluid-cooled heat sink.
 7. The sample preparationassembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the mounting element or thesecuring element is configured to at Least substantially enclose thespray chamber when the securing element is mated with the mountingelement.
 8. A system, comprising: an analytic instrument configured forchemical analysis of a sample; and a sample preparation assembly, thesample preparation assembly including: a torch configured to couple toan inlet of the analytic instrument, the torch including at least twoapproximately cylindrical tubes arranged substantially concentrically,the at least two approximately cylindrical tubes including a first outertube and a second inner tube with a gap formed between the first outertube and the second inner tube, the first outer tube and the secondinner tube each coupled to a mounting element configured for securing inplace the first outer tube and the second inner tube; an injectorconfigured to introduce the sample to the analytic instrument, theinjector including an injection nozzle and a spray chamber, an exit ofthe spray chamber leading to the injection nozzle, the injection nozzlepositioned at least substantially within the second inner tube when thespray chamber is positioned adjacent the mounting element of the torch;and a heat sink element, the heat sink element including a securingelement, the securing element configured to mate with the mountingelement of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element, atleast one of the securing element or the mounting element defining atleast one aperture through which an inlet of the spray chamber passes.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the spray chamber is a cyclonic spraychamber.
 10. The system of claim 8, further including: a cover element,the cover element configured to mate with the mounting element at an endof the mounting element opposite the securing element of the heat sinkelement.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the cover element includesat least one inlet through which a fluid may substantially pass.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the at least one inlet is located on a sideof the cover element configured to substantially overlay with anaperture defined by the mounting element on a surface of a side of themounting element when the cover element is mated with the mountingelement.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the heat sink is afluid-cooled heat sink.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein at least oneof the mounting element or the securing element is configured to atleast substantially enclose the spray chamber when the securing elementis mated with the mounting element.